Aerial Lift Automatic Positioning for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of aerial work platforms to and from sites is complicated due to the need for precise manual operation to achieve a compact position, which is challenging for transporters unfamiliar with the equipment and poses safety risks due to poor visibility and the risk of falling.
Innovation Solution
An aerial work platform equipped with an obstacle detection system and on-board electronics that automatically controls the lifting structure to fold and position the platform for transport, ensuring compatibility with trailer configurations and safety by maximizing visibility and minimizing operator risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to achieve compact position, then the platform can be positioned for transport, but the operation becomes complex and hazardous for transporters unfamiliar with the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic positioning of the lifting structure without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously coordinates the movements of the boom and pendular arm to achieve the compact transportation position, eliminating the need for operators to manually control multiple components in a specific sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system. The control unit uses sensors and electronic signals to manage the positioning process, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an intelligent automated system that reduces complexity and improves safety.
2Reliability
If manual operation is used to achieve compact position, then the platform can be positioned for transport, but safety risks increase due to poor visibility and risk of falling
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs the positioning operation, eliminating the need for operators to position themselves in dangerous locations. The control unit automatically manages the compacting sequence, ensuring safety by removing human exposure to fall risks and poor visibility conditions.
3Ease of operation
If automatic positioning is implemented, then operation safety and ease are improved, but device complexity increases due to obstacle detection system and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the automatic positioning sequence, processes obstacle detection data, and coordinates the movements of multiple lifting components. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection system acts as an intermediary between the physical environment and the control unit. Sensors detect obstacles and transmit this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the positioning sequence accordingly. This intermediary layer simplifies the control logic by providing structured input data about environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If compact position is achieved without obstacle detection, then the positioning process is simpler, but the platform may collide with obstacles during positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system performs preliminary scanning of the environment before the positioning sequence begins. The control unit receives advance information about obstacles and pre-adjusts the positioning path or speed to prevent collisions, rather than reacting after contact occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positioning process using obstacle detection sensors that provide real-time feedback to the control unit. If an obstacle is detected during the compacting sequence, the control unit receives feedback and automatically adjusts the positioning parameters to avoid collision, ensuring safe operation throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
The aerial work platform comprises a chassis 2, a work platform 10 and a lifting structure 20 that comprises at least one boom 26 able to be raised and lowered and a pendular arm 30 mounted at the top end of the boom 26 and supporting the platform 10. It also comprises sensors 51, 52 for detecting the proximity of the platform 10 to an obstacle. On-board electronics automatically puts the aerial work platform in a compact position on request by an operator by controlling the lifting structure 20 according to the signals from the sensors 51, 52 in order to take account of the surroundings. In the compact position, the aerial work platform is suitable for transport on a trailer or flatbed lorry. This avoids the transporter having himself to control the various movements of the lifting structure 20 in order to bring the aerial work platform into the compact transportation position.